ABSTRACT
This chapter makes an attempt to develop an understanding of secure mother-infant attachment and the impact this has on their health and emotional well-being. It focuses on attachment theory to promote and encourage close and loving relationships between mother and baby. The mother–infant relationship begins in pregnancy so it is important that healthcare professionals encourage and support women to maximise opportunities to connect with their baby. Brain development begins in pregnancy and continues at a rapid rate in the first two years until adolescence and beyond. Cortisol levels of mother and infant are similar, and prolonged exposure to cortisol has been associated with reduced cognition and memory, attention problems and behavioural difficulties in children and postpartum depression in mothers. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone'. It is known to reduce cortisol levels, resulting in a sense of calmness, lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and promotion of maternal behaviour.
